Overview
- Central California growers will remove up to 420,000 clingstone peach trees with up to $9 million in USDA funding ahead of the 2026 harvest.
- Del Monte’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy led to permanent cannery closures in Modesto and Hughson, ending long-running contracts and cutting off a major processing outlet.
- Pacific Coast Producers bought Del Monte’s canned fruit business and will purchase about 24,000 tons of peaches, leaving roughly 50,000 tons without a buyer.
- USDA analysis says taking about 50,000 tons out of production could prevent around $30 million in losses as farmers face an estimated $550 million revenue hit.
- Growers plan to pivot some orchards to other crops with the removal aid, and canned peaches are still expected to be available on store shelves for now.